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Now Jantantra Morcha to take on corruption, says Anna

It will mobilise people on a host of issues

Social activist Anna Hazare and the former Army Chief, General V.K. Singh, at a rally in Patna on Wednesday.— Photo: Ranjeet Kumar

The andolan formerly known as India Against Corruption will henceforth be organised under the banner of
Jantantra Morcha
, veteran activist Anna Hazare said on Wednesday.

Addressing a gathering at Gandhi Maidan here, he said the morcha would mobilise people on a host of issues with a demand for effective legislation to fortify the democratic processes.

Transparency in administrative systems; strengthening the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Central Vigilance Commission; making the village an administrative unit; more rights to gram sabhas, employment generation, creating marketing units at the village, block and district levels; linking agriculture and business; land and farmers’ rights; free cooking gas for the poor; enlisting participation of former Army personnel; framing a new health, education, employment, tax and youth policy; bringing back black money; life term for adulteration, and lowering inflation and oil prices are some of the areas in which the morcha will call for stronger legislation and policies.

Mr. Hazare said while Parliament had the authority to frame laws, civil society participation at the drafting stage was essential .

‘New Bharat’

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, he administered a pledge to his supporters to create “a new Bharat and a true democracy.” The former IPS officer, Kiran Bedi, said the andolan would demand the passing of the Lokpal Bill in the coming budget session.

The former Army Chief General V.K. Singh (Retd.) said the struggle for bringing about a “fundamental change” in the country had begun from Bihar.

As long as power is not vested in people, we are not a Republic: Hazare

While Parliament has authority to frame laws, civil society must participate at drafting stage